The Dodge model may already have beenshown to
As far as the Chrysler Sebring, the AlfaRomeo159 could serve as that car's platform, an upscale midsizesedan. The two models, which are twins, are not strong performersin the critical and profitable midsize sedan segment and are in needof a makeover.Selling All Three Brands Under OneRoofThe plan to separate the Chrysler andDodge models is part of a much bigger and far reaching project: tounite Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep under one umbrella, allowing dealersto sell all three brands under one roof.The Dodge model may already have beenshown to the world in the form of the rear wheel drive Chrysler 200C. By separating the Sebring from the Avenger,Chrysler can appeal to two different kinds of consumers: the Sebringfor premium customers while the Avenger would target performanceoriented drivers. Now that the Chrysler Group LLC is controlled by FiatSpA, the two companies are looking at updated models for the twolines, but this time it appears that the sedans being planned willnot even be related to each other. The Dodge Mixing head Avenger, on the other hand,could end up getting a shortened version of the existing DodgeChallenger platform, a rear wheel drive coupe. Badge engineering has worked forautomakers in the past in that it helped the companies sell virtuallythe same car across several brands, but it hasn't always beenwelcomed by consumers. The Chrysler Sebring is likely to share itsplatform with an existing front wheel drive Fiat model, sharing manyof the components including suspension, engine and transmission butwith a body unique to itself. Both cars are likely to offer four cylinder engines standardwith an optional V6 available.Chrysler has a pair of midsize sedansavailable to buyers in the form of the Chrysler Sebring and DodgeAvenger.Separating the Chrysler Sebring andDodge Avenger could be part of Fiat's strategy to grow each of theAmerican brands distinctly.That concept was shown earlier this year and could quickly bereworked to become a Dodge. Fiat wants Chrysler tobe its premium brand (like Buick), Dodge its sporty brand (likeChevrolet) while Jeep would compete against the likes of GMC.Sebring, Avenger To Go It AloneNews reports are suggesting thatChrysler may have new plans for its midsize sedans with each goingtheir separate ways.. By offering two distinctmidsize platforms, the midsize models would appeal to differentcustomers without taking away sales from each